The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday urged the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army Movement in Opposition (SPLM/A IO) to avoid military operations in civilian populated areas, warning of risks to noncombatants.
The warning was issued during a CTSAMVM Technical Committee meeting in Juba, which reviewed the security situation and recent incidents reported in parts of the country.
CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj Gen Teshome Anagawe Ayana called on commanders from both sides to ensure military activity is kept away from civilian settlements.
SSPDF and SPLM/A IO should exercise maximum restraint and avoid operations in civilian populated areas, Anagawe said. Both forces should ensure that all troop movements, mobilisations and incidents are promptly reported to CTSAMVM to enable timely verification, monitoring and de-escalation.
He urged the parties to instruct their commanders to halt hostilities, prevent reprisal attacks and ensure strict compliance with the permanent ceasefire and provisions for the protection of civilians.
The Joint Defence Board and relevant security institutions should strengthen coordination and deploy adequate security measures along vulnerable areas and seven key infrastructure corridors to enhance civilian protection, restore freedom of movement and facilitate humanitarian access, he said.
Anagawe said CTSAMVM would continue to monitor, verify and report violations in an impartial manner in support of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
Maj Gen Bior Leek Kuareng, representing the Former Political Detainees, called for inclusive dialogue to address security and electoral challenges, saying constructive engagement was key to national unity and stability ahead of elections.
We are committed, as CTSAMVM members, to monitor the ceasefire and the implementation of the peace agreement, Leek said. I am also calling on the RTGoNU to commit to genuine dialogue, not friendly dialogue.
By genuine dialogue, I mean engaging those with opposing views. When you assemble aligned parties, that is not real dialogue.
Brig Gen Samuel Chan Mut, the senior representative of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, saying clashes were undermining community cohesion and the peace process.
I call upon all signatories to the revitalised peace agreement, all political factions and military commanders, to immediately and unconditionally commit to the total cessation of hostilities, Chan said.
We must focus on hotspots where conflict threatens the transition, including Jonglei, Upper Nile, parts of Central Equatoria, Eastern and Western Equatoria, and areas of Bahr el Ghazal.
He warned that continued violence in areas such as Waat, Motot and Morobo was displacing civilians and undermining preparations for elections.
When clashes erupt in places like Waat, Motot or Morobo, it is ordinary citizens, mothers, children and farmers who pay the ultimate price, he said. The violence disenfranchises voters and destabilises the environment needed for safe elections.
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